Papadopoulos D, Shihan M, Scheiner-Bobis G. Physiological implications of DHEAS-induced non-classical steroid hormone signaling.
J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018;
179:73-78. [PMID:
29017935 DOI:
10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.10.002]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In the spermatogenic cell line GC-2, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), activates the Src/Ras/c-Raf/Erk1/2/CREB(ATF-1) signaling cascade. Since DHEAS is present in the gonads, and since spermatogenesis and maturation of spermatogonia to haploid spermatozoa requires activation of Erk1/2, the triggering of these signaling events by DHEAS might have physiological relevance. In the Sertoli cell line TM4, DHEAS-induces activation of Erk1/2, CREB, and ATF-1, stimulates expression of claudin-3 and claudin-5 and augments transepithelial resistance, indicating the formation of tight junctions between adjacent Sertoli cells. Thus, by influencing the formation and dynamics of tight junctions at the blood-testis barrier, which protects germ cells from cells of the immune system, DHEAS might play a crucial role in the regulation and maintenance of male fertility. In bEnd.3 brain-derived endothelial cells, DHEAS stimulates the expression of zonula occludens-1 and claudin-3 and promotes tight junction formation between neighboring cells, which at the blood-brain barrier protects the brain from harmful factors and cells. If DHEAS supports the integrity of the blood-brain barrier also in vivo, the current findings might lead to new strategies for the prevention or treatment of neurological disorders associated with barrier defects.
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